Have you ever wanted to start a conversation with people to promote your business to see if they have an interest? But you were too shy or you didn't know how to start a conversation with them so it could lead to where you wanted it to go? Have you moved to a new area and wanted to start meeting people in that town or city? Networking is my strong suit. I am very comfortable going out and about in my day and starting conversations all over. If that is something that's very difficult and uncomfortable for you and you would like to learn how to overcome that fear, here's a way to start.

Take it one step at a time. We will start with the very basics.

Step 1: Just get comfortable saying hello to people using eye contact. Pay attention to this. A lot of people have trouble with eye contact. Yes, this is basic, but for some a necessary step. Do that with people over and over until you feel comfortable enough to go to the next step - however long it takes.

Step 2: After you can say hello with good eye contact and enjoy it, find something you genuinely like about someone you run into - personally (personality) or something you like about what they are wearing. E.g., I love your earrings; or you have a great personality - you are so much fun to talk to; or I really like your shirt or whatever it is you see or experience about them that you like. BE GENUINE. People can never hear enough compliments. If nothing else, you probably made their day a little brighter. That's always a great thing to pass on in the world! Another conversation starter is to bring something up that's in the environment around you. For instance, if you like the colors on the wall in a store - say hey isn't that a unique color; or even the weather - it sure is a nice day out today; or it's warm in here; or this is such a great store. It doesn't have to be anything profound, just enough to start a conversation. See where the conversation goes. Do this until you are comfortable talking and feel you would like to talk more with people. By the way, I don't just talk to anyone. They have to have some life force (a personality). If they are grumpy or not attentive, I don't start a conversation with them. I am definitely pleasant, but they aren't someone that I necessarily want to have a conversation with or want to get to know more. I like being around positive upbeat people.

Step 3: Now that you are comfortable saying a few words, the next time you can make it a longer conversation. Again, I think it is so important to tell people what you admire about them. I can't stress that enough! Compliments aren't said enough in our society. You can make such a difference in someone's day.

Here are some sample conversation starters (again - they can be very simple):

* How is your day going?
* What a great day outside, isn't it?
* It's nice to see someone so happy (or chipper today)
* What if you are out walking and someone is walking their dog - comment on their dog - what kind of dog is that?
* Anything like that can spark a conversation.

Say you are out shopping or in a restaurant:

* How long have you worked here?
* Do you work here full time or part time?
* What do you like about it?
* Have you ever thought about doing anything else?

Of course this is a back and forth conversation. You wouldn't just shoot off all these questions. You will be amazed how easy it is to talk with people, how receptive they are and what kind of information you can find out about someone. People love to talk about themselves! Be a good listener, but don't necessarily let them talk your ear off either (that happens sometimes). You should be talking 20% of the time and they talk 80% of the time. People don't get heard enough. They enjoy talking to someone who is genuinely interested in them. Listening and hearing is not a skill most of us learn. I can't tell you how much I run into this when I'm out. It is very rare for me to talk to someone who really listens. Be outstanding! Be that person who listens. Most of all be yourself - be authentic.

If the conversation leads to them not liking what they do or looking for something else, this is when you can tell them about what you're doing for extra income or a career if you are expanding. I don't know how you approach people, but this could be a whole training right there.